Too poor for a low-income apartment!

**i.m.cheap** · 02-28-2006, 01:33 AM

I went to check on a couple of apartments near DH's new job. We only have one car, so living close to his work is a huge convenience for us. A couple of buildings downtown have been recently renovated using government money, so the property owners have to reserve 25% of the apartments for "low-income" tenants. For a family of three, you can not make more than $26,400 a year. If you qualify, then the rent you pay is only $488 a month for an apartment that normally rents for $800. When they were asking about our income, the property manager expressed concern that we couldn't afford the reduced rent! We are currently paying $550 a month to rent a house, plus trash and water (which are included in the apartment rent). We make about $23,000 a year, gross. I assured her that we were very frugal, and manage quite well on our income. She just didn't see how on earth we could pay the rent!

Actually we would be saving around $150 a month over what we are paying now, taking into account the cheaper rent, no water or trash bill, and using less gas in the car (DH would walk to work).

**dolphin** · 02-28-2006, 02:19 AM

Oh wow, I hope you will be able to get the apartment when you you want it.

Ds ran into the same trouble when he moved to Utah. He was not making enough money to rent a low-income apt. so his boss gave him enough of a raise (not much) to qualify. They had a certain chart of income that they went by. The rent was $650.00 for a 1 bedroom for 1 person and you still had to pay electric and gas and if anyone moved in with him it costs extra.

guest7 · 02-28-2006, 06:40 AM

WOW! I can not believe that!! If you REALLY want that apartment, I would pursue it.
Bring records of your expenses. bank statements (hopefully- you didn't bounce any checks) and show them that you've managed quite well on the income for a long period of time. Don't let one unfrugal (?government) employee deny you access to something you're entitled to. Argue the cause- skillfully and be persistent.

**Darlene** · 02-28-2006, 07:09 AM

Hope you find just what you need asap.

**FrugalMomof3** · 02-28-2006, 07:57 AM

Deb,

I agree be persistant... you are actually saving money in the long run, they cann't tell you what you can afford really, if you've been paying $150 more she should be willing to want to help you more.

Dont let this one get away if it will help you, bring in the things Cheryl mentioned above or even proof from your current landlord that you've never been behind of your rent.

**kmsinsa** · 02-28-2006, 08:55 AM

i agree with the others, I would definitely pursue this if you are interested in it.

**MOMMYDEAREST** · 02-28-2006, 08:58 AM

SOME PEOPLE DON'T UNDESTAND HOW BEING FRUGAL CAN REALLY SAVE ALOT OF $$$$$. I WOULD ALSO PURSUE THE ISSUE. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO GET THAT APARTMENT.....ESPECIALLY IF YOU WILL BE SAVING $150.00 A MONTH

GOOD LUCK

**PrairieRose** · 02-28-2006, 09:45 AM

I agree, be persistant, offer to let them do a background check or something as well.

**i.m.cheap** · 02-28-2006, 09:45 AM

It was kind of funny, the apartment manager interviewing me was wearing a Liz Claiborne shirt (had a label on the front), so was I. Mine was 95¢ from the thrift store. Hers probably was not! I even went out to my car and brought in my coupon binder, and told her I teach others how to save money. I always carry some of my best grocery receipts (my trophies!) in my binder, too. The ones that show savings of 70-90%. She was kind of impressed with that, and asked how much I earned teaching the "coupon classes". I don't get paid, I do it for free. She had a hard time understanding that, too.

Sometimes I will ask for a dollar from participants to cover my cost of printing the handouts for the class. I usually put everything in a three-prong folder, too. I purchase the folders on clearance or at "Back to school sales" for 10¢ each or less. She seemed surprised that I would teach for free. I explained most of my students are just as poor as I am (most are homeschooling mothers), and the classes take place in my home, or one of the "study rooms" at the public library. I think of it as performing a public service.

**guest32** · 02-28-2006, 09:50 AM

I really don't understand how they can deny you housing if you meet the criteria? You make under the cutoff, so it shouldn't be an issue. Have you filled out an application? What kinds of questions are they asking about other bills, etc? Is it a credit issue? I think I'd go to the govt. housing site and look up what the qualifications are and how they determine need, etc. Is there a waiting list?

**justmeD** · 02-28-2006, 10:01 AM

It seems all they would need is a letter from your landlord stating you've always paid on time, etc...there should be no other question about it.

**Michele Annette** · 02-28-2006, 01:26 PM

It seems all they would need is a letter from your landlord stating you've always paid on time, etc...there should be no other question about it.

It isn't her place to judge if you meet the criteria!

**momof42003** · 02-28-2006, 01:33 PM

I have never heard of someone NOT making enough money to qualify for low income....

How confusing. Just let her know what she NEEDS to know to rent the apartment.. I would think it is almost invasion of privacy if she questions your money practices, and judges you without knowing you... A statement form your current landlord should be sufficient... If not, then I would take it up with some one in a higher authority... If you can. This sounds so silly to even be talking about... LOLOLOL...

**schellie69** · 02-28-2006, 01:57 PM

I understand when we were looking to buy a home the house payment would have been $150 cheaper a month then our rent and they denied us , but it worked at we got a bigger house for less by waiting a few years so now we own our home which is nice but I did everything Icould to show them that buying the hosue would save us money but they were not listening I would stick with it, and show them all your rent reciptes ect and maybe even a credit rating it you can get one for free some where, that might help also take in references from people who know you that might also work.

**Vannie** · 02-28-2006, 02:04 PM

Originally posted by i.m.cheap
I went to check on a couple of apartments near DH's new job. We only have one car, so living close to his work is a huge convenience for us. A couple of buildings downtown have been recently renovated using government money, so the property owners have to reserve 25% of the apartments for "low-income" tenants. For a family of three, you can not make more than $26,400 a year. If you qualify, then the rent you pay is only $488 a month for an apartment that normally rents for $800. When they were asking about our income, the property manager expressed concern that we couldn't afford the reduced rent! We are currently paying $550 a month to rent a house, plus trash and water (which are included in the apartment rent). We make about $23,000 a year, gross. I assured her that we were very frugal, and manage quite well on our income. She just didn't see how on earth we could pay the rent!

Actually we would be saving around $150 a month over what we are paying now, taking into account the cheaper rent, no water or trash bill, and using less gas in the car (DH would walk to work).

If you pay by check, you should gather at least a years worth of cancelled rent checks. They will support your claim that you definately can pay $488. If you did not get some kind of form to fill out, ask her if there is one. Like everyone says, be persistent. Say to her, If we only make 23K and the max is 26.4K what can we do to qualify?

Also, I would not mention again what you do with coupons, etc. The next time you go, don't wear your LC shirt or any name brand. It seems funny, but it is not. Once a woman came to my office for an interview, but one of the reasons she was not hired was because she had on several pieces of really good jewelry. It was decided that she did not really need the job, if she afford that. I was not supposed to hear the comment

People can get dinky about certain things.